Labour is on the cusp of a 'sea change' in its approach to the Middle East, with pro-Palestine activists sensing an opportunity for a more robust stance against Israel. A perfect storm of factors has created this sense of optimism: the Green Party's strong showing in local elections, Sir Keir Starmer's likely departure from Downing Street, and fresh polling data revealing a significant appetite among Labour members for a blanket ban on arms shipments to Israel.
The mood music is a far cry from recent setbacks for campaigners, including failed High Court challenges and the classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist group. Historian Brian Brivati, executive director of the British Palestine Project, believes changes are imminent, citing the departure of Morgan McSweeney, former adviser to Sir Keir Starmer, who was instrumental in linking Jeremy Corbyn to antisemitism.
The electoral landscape is playing a significant role in driving this potential policy evolution. Labour MPs, particularly new entrants, are said to be increasingly aware of the electoral consequences of their party's position on the Middle East following the Green Party's gains in local elections. Moreover, a poll commissioned by Medical Aid for Palestinians found that 87% of Labour members supported banning trade with illegal settlements, while 78% backed a total ban on all arms shipments to Israel.
Both Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, potential successors to Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, have urged Labour to do more to support Palestine. While neither has outlined specific policy changes for the UK in Gaza, Mr Streeting's July 2025 comments highlighted that Israel's actions justified applying sanctions beyond individual ministers. Although he stopped short of describing Israel's actions as genocide, Mr Streeting accused Israel of committing war crimes and circulated a dossier from British doctors working in Palestine to the Cabinet.
The Labour government's most significant actions on this issue have been a partial suspension of arms exports to Israel in September 2024 and recognition of Palestine as a state a year later. However, Emily Thornberry MP, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, recently made striking remarks, stating that Labour had failed the Palestinians and lost momentum since recognition. She questioned the lack of further action following recognition and criticised the government's inaction despite ongoing violence in Gaza, including over 900 deaths since the ceasefire and the perceived failure of the Board of Peace to achieve progress.
The growing pressure on Labour to act is not limited to its MPs; a letter signed by over 150 Jewish activists and supporters, including several prominent Labour figures, has called for a fundamental shift in policy towards Israel. This collective voice adds weight to the argument that Labour must do more to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.